Summer school: Increase your expertise

Spring and summer training opportunities are a great way for students to stay intellectually stimulated when classes aren't in session. Here are some programs to look into:

Advanced Training Institutes. APA's Science Directorate will sponsor its annual series of workshops that expose psychological scientists to emerging technologies and cutting-edge research methodology. Although the 2008 schedule is not yet set, past workshops have included such topics as using large-scale databases and applying nonlinear methods. For application deadlines, visit APA Science/ATI.

Summer Biomarker Institute. Held June 16-18, at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and hosted by Cells to Society: The Center on Social Disparities and Health at the Institute for Policy Research. This 2008 summer institute will provide students with a hands-on and theoretical introduction to using measures such as salivary cortisol, which indicates stress levels, in their social science research. For more information, visit www.northwestern.edu/ipr/c2s/events/biomarkers.html.

National Sexuality Resource Center Summer Institute. This 2008 program provides three weeks of coursework in sexuality, education and politics at San Francisco State University. Track 1, held from July 7-25, is geared toward undergraduate participants and professionals new to the field of sexuality and will introduce sexuality theories and methodologies. Track 2, held from July 14 to Aug. 1, is designed for advanced sexuality scholars and researchers currently pursuing graduate and postgraduate degrees. Visit http://nsrc.sfsu.edu/summerinstitute for the 2008 schedule and application process, and contact Jennifer Feeney via e-mail or (415) 437-5113 for more information.

The Summer Institute in Political Psychology. The three-week institute introduces graduate students in political science, psychology, sociology and related social science disciplines together with government and private professionals to the world of political psychology scholarship. Some of the topics covered will include race relations, voting and elections, international conflict, decision-making by political elites, activism and social protest. In 2008, the institute will run from July 6-25 at Stanford University. Registration begins in January. For more information, e-mail SIPP.